The Laboratory of Interfacial & Small Scale Transport {LIS²T} at the California Institute of Technology is devoted to research in non-equilibrium statistical and nonlinear phenomena in small scale systems. We focus on the modeling and measurement of surface forces governing the transport and spatiotemporal evolution of mass, momentum, heat and light along moving boundaries. Projects of current interest require a strong background in the principles and tools commonly used in Condensed Matter Physics, Computational and Applied Mathematics, Mathematical Physics and Applied Physics. We seek skilled and creative individuals who relish solving difficult problems by "thinking outside the box". Applicants must demonstrate genuine interest in statistical and nonlinear physics, strong work ethic, commitment to mastering the literature in relevant fields, excellent organizational and writing skills, and a strong interest in pursuing an academic career.
 
Project titles below highlighted in purple indicate current highest priority projects.
 

Theoretical & Computational Modeling of Interfaces Governed By 4th Order Nonlinear PDEs

• Seeking Caltech graduate students with experience and/or demonstrated interest in theoretical modeling and analysis of high-order nonlinear partial differential equations. Projects involve eludication of physics responsible for evolution of highly curved interfaces relevant to microscale and nanoscale free surface flows. Moving interfaces subject to initial homogeneous or patterned surface force fields are prone to complex waveforms and interactions, instabilities leading to self-similar growth, rapid evolution of singularities involving caustics or cusp formation and more. Some of the systems under study pertain to in-house development of novel lithographic techniques for remote patterning of nanofilms to generate micro-optical arrays and structured films for biomimetic applications.
   
  Those interested in computational work can either choose to focus on (continuum level) finite element simulations or discrete particle based schemes using non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations. For problems involving moving free surfaces characterized by significant boundary curvature, a strong interest in differential geometry may also be helpful. For the majority of theoretical problems under investigtion, the student is expected to demonstrate fluency or strong interest in learning how to utilize analytic tools such as symmetry methods for investigating partial differential equations, matched asymptotic analysis for systems involving disparate space or time scales, linear stability theory involving normal and non-normal operators, bifurcation analysis, Lyapunov analysis, Cahn-Hilliard decomposition, and/or control and optimization theory for high-order PDEs.
   
  Applicants must demonstrate strong multitasking skills, ability to work efficiently both individually and as a member of a team, strong writing skills for publication of articles in top archival journals and a commitment to meeting deadlines sometimes requiring rapid turnaround.

Non-Equilibrium Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Phonon Propagation Across Liquid/Solid Interfaces

• Seeking graduate students with strong interest in the field of equilibrium and non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulation. Project involves modeling and analysis of thermal transport and phonon dynamics across liquid/solid interfaces. Project incorporates a significant blend of fundamental physics with computational design of cutting edge technology focused on rapid cooling of high power density chips. Students must have strong background or interest in learning analytic tools commonly used in statistical physics and analysis of stochastic phenomena.
   
  Applicants must demonstrate strong multitasking skills, ability to work efficiently both individually and as a member of a team, strong writing skills for publication of articles in top archival journals and a commitment to meeting deadlines sometimes requiring rapid turnaround.

Computational Design of Electric Micropropulsion Systems [Funding restricted to US citizens and Permanent Residents]

• Seeking graduate students with expertise and/or strong interest in hydrodynamic modeling and analysis to help develop computational toolbox for the design and operation of electric micropropulsion systems. Project involves exciting blend of fundamental science focused on nonlinear spatiotemporal dynamics and cutting edge technological innovation. The scope of this program is fairly large and includes numerous avenues of investigation thereby providing participants with first hand experience of a rapidly evolving field. Projects also offer direct contact with technical personnel at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, CA and NASA Ames in Mountain View, CA.
   
  Applicants must demonstrate strong multitasking skills, ability to work efficiently both individually and as a member of a team, strong writing skills for publication of articles in top archival journals and a commitment to meeting deadlines which require rapid turnaround.

Experimental Design and Analysis

• Project involving development and fabrication of microscale components for micro-optical, photonic and biomimetic applications using thermal and electric field shape modulation of nanofilms. Demonstrated interest or previous experience with the following characterization and analysis tools is required: optical microscopy, laser interferometry, scanning white light interferometry, image analysis, Matlab programming, clean room microfabrication, spectral characterization of optical components, atomic force microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy.
• Project involving development, characterization and optimization of evanescent based microarrays for sensing applications. Previous experience or strong demonstrated interest in the following characterization and analysis tools is required: optical trapping techniques, evanescent field characterization, waveguide and spectral analysis, scanning interferometry, scanning electron microscopy, Matlab and/or Labview programming, clean room microfabrication, and atomic force microscopy.

General Requirements

Applicants must provide evidence of strong academic performance, strong work ethic, excellent writing and communication skills, and intention to pursue a professional career in scientific research. Opportunities provide an opportunity for working closely with the Principal Investigator and research collaborators to develop advanced problem solving skills in an environment which fosters creativity, depth and breadth. Candidates will enjoy access to modern computational and analysis tools as well as modern laboratory facilities and instrumentation.
 

• Postdoctoral Researchers [currently restricted to applicants with full fellowship support to cover costs for two years]
  
  Postdoctoral applicants must provide evidence of a strong publication record, ability to work independently, and a commitment to launching new fields of study. Successful applicants are expected to outline a well defined program of study aligned with the research activities described above. Initial period of appointment to extend 12 months. Renewal possible based on level of accomplishment, availability of funding, and on-going operational needs. Applicants must have completed all requirements for their doctorate and received their PhD degree before the start of their appointment.
  
  For proper handling and routing of submissions, concatenate all application material below into a single PDF file and email to The SUBJECT line of the email must read LIS2T Postdoc Application. Only PDF files will be accepted.
  
  
  1. Cover letter describing areas of interest, skill set and project of interest listed above or proposed by applicant
  2. Curriculum vitae including complete publication list including working papers
  3. Contact information for 3 or more faculty familiar with applicant's work
  4. Copies of first author papers (no more than 4)
  5. Official copy of graduate and undergraduate transcripts.
  Please note that applications deemed incomplete will be rejected without review. Also, due to the large numbers of applications received, we can only reach out to those likely to meet our selection criteria.
• Graduate Student Researchers
  
  Caltech graduate students interested in research opportunities with {LIS²T} should first email Prof. Troian at with the following materials. If a good match is likely, then research activity will commence with a preliminary research rotation to assess skill set and project suitability.
  
  
  1. Cover letter describing areas of interest, skill set and project of interest listed above
  2. Curriculum vitae including any prior publications
  3. Contact information for faculty familiar with applicant's prior work
  4. Official copy of undergraduate and any graduate transcripts.
  NB: Students from outside universities must have already been accepted to a doctoral program at Caltech before applying for a position in {LIS²T}. Information regarding application procedures, academic requirements and deadlines at Caltech can be found at Graduate Admissions Information. Please DO NOT contact Prof. Troian unless you have already been admitted to Caltech.
• Undergraduate Applicants
  Although we always enjoy working with Caltech junior and senior undergraduates, there are currently no available research opportunities at this time. Please check back later this year.